You’ll Never Look at "Bubbly" the Same Way Again

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Babies have a way of changing how you see everything. Suddenly, everyday routines are full of possibilities for wonder and discovery.

You may be surprised, for example, to see how quickly your bathtub transforms from Quick-Morning-Shower-Zone to Wonder Zone. From your baby's very first bath (nice to meet you, bubbles!) to her eighty-zillionth tub time (let's make a bubble cake!), that sense of wonder just keeps getting more and more, well, wonderful.

Here are five bath basics you'll never see quite the same way again when you become a parent:

1. Water: Adults may see water as a basic essential, but for babies it’s a miraculous substance. The first time you see your baby trying to "catch" the water coming from the faucet, or when you see the sneaky smile on her face when she discovers just how big a splash she can make by kicking her feet and wiggling her arms, you'll get it.

Tip: No need to spend big bucks on bath toys for baby when cups, spoons, and pots from the kitchen can make an excellent "water lab" that adapts to every age and stage.

2. Bubbles: Remember back in the pre-pregnancy days when bubbles meant mimosas at brunch? The first time you put your baby into a bubble bath, you'll be reminded of the magic of real bubbles. The way they shine, the delicious smell, the crinkly-poppy way they sound, the magic that happens when your baby tries to grab one—hey, where'd it go?

Tip: As your baby grows, you can explore the science and wonder of bubbles together: Blow on a handful of gentle JOHNSON’S® Baby Bubble Bath and Wash bubbles to demonstrate how bubbles seem to defy gravity, talk about the rainbow of colors sliding across the surface...and don't forget to build plenty of "beards" and "unicorn horns."

3. Shiny Fixtures: Before baby, your bathtub fixtures were just something to wipe down on cleaning day. Funny how that innocent-looking faucet suddenly looks like a dangerous weapon the minute you put your baby in the tub. Don’t panic. The good news is your new way of looking at things is working like it’s supposed to, helping you protect your baby as well as have fun.

Tip: Baby stores are full of faucet covers, bath water thermometers and more to help keep bath time safe and easy. The most important bath safety tip of all: Never leave a baby unattended in the bath, even for a second.

4. Towels: You probably only pay attention to your bath towel on laundry day, but a cozy cuddly towel is the cherry on top of a baby’s bath time fun: best peekaboo game ever! No one loves his towel more than a baby fresh out of the bath, and you've never seen anything sweeter than your cute little towel-wrapped "baby burrito."

Tip: Remember to have a spare towel handy in case of big splashes. And because little ones lose body heat quickly, keep baby's towel close at hand during bath time to prevent the shivers when tub time is over.

5. Warmth: Ever craved a hot shower like nothing else? You know it's not just about the shower—it's about letting go of stress, and reveling in the sensation of being warm and clean and cared for. When you slow down for baby's tub time, you learn to see that's exactly what your baby loves about the bath, too. That's why a bath can be such a great way to kick off baby's bedtime routine: The warmth, the water, and your gentle touch all help relax your little one to prepare for sleep.

Tip: You can use a bath water thermometer to test water temperature, but you can also test the water on your elbow or inside your wrist. It should be comfortably warm, but not hot.

Bath time is a beautiful time for you and baby to relax, play, and enjoy together, in a warm, comfortable place. It can be one of the nicest parts of the day – a moment to revel in the wonder of it all, for both baby and you.

Share Your #LittleWonders!

Raising a baby changes you forever. Every day brings new moments of discovery with your little one. Whether watching their childhood unfold or rediscovering yours, these Little Wonders make up the greatest journey of your life – parenthood.